CCNA vs CCNP: What's the Difference?
Thursday, October 9, 2025
What is CCNA?
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is Cisco's foremost networking credential. The main purpose of this certification is to provide a mid to entry-level certification for professionals and beginners who possess some knowledge of networking. A person interested in pursuing the CCNA program has to undergo training in the installation, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of Cisco's medium networking devices. This has now become a very reputable entry-level networking certification.
It provides an extensive overview of contemporary networking. It covers wireless network access and wired network access, along with routing principles, before it covers FHRPs, IPv4/IPv6 static routing, and OSPFv2. It covers various IP services like DHCP, NAT, and QoS, along with an introduction to network security, which covers topics like SDN,NAT, ACLs, VPNs, and secure wireless access.
CCNA certification gives candidates an opportunity to know more about the fundamentals and concepts of Cisco networking environment. Also, the certification will impart significant knowledge to these students about operating IT equipment without facing problems.
What is CCNP?
CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) is a professional networking certification that validates the depth and breadth of one's knowledge in the area of technology. The certification is offered under five tracks, namely: Data Center, Enterprise, Service Provider, Security, and Collaboration. It requires an individual to pass two examinations: one core examination plus another concentration-related exam to achieve CCNP in any of those five tracks.
What are the Various CCNP Certification Tracks?
Among the popular CCNP tracks, CCNP Enterprise is one of them. The CCNP Enterprise core exam tests the candidate's knowledge in enterprise network technologies like dual-stack architecture, infrastructure, security, assurance of the network, virtualization, and automation.
The CCNP program included training in the installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of either a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) for systems with node counts from 100 to 500. CCNP Enterprise consists of five exams, including ones on wireless design, SD-WAN, network design, automation, wireless implementation, and advanced routing in enterprise networks.
CCNA vs CCNP – Detailed Comparison
Feature | CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) | CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) |
Level | Associate / Entry-Level | Professional / Intermediate to Advanced |
Target Audience | Beginners or entry-level network engineers | Experienced network professionals |
Focus Area | Networking fundamentals | Advanced networking concepts, troubleshooting, and implementation |
Prerequisite | None officially, but basic networking knowledge helps | No formal prerequisite (as of latest updates), but CCNA knowledge is highly recommended |
Exam Name | 200-301 CCNA | 350-401 ENCOR (core exam) + 1 concentration exam (like ENARSI, ENWLSI, etc.) |
Number of Exams | 1 exam | 2 exams (1 core + 1 concentration) |
Duration of Exam | ~120 minutes | ~120 minutes each |
Cost | ~$300 USD | ~$400 USD per exam (total ~$800) |
Topics Covered | - Network fundamentals- IP services- Security basics- Automation- Wireless networking- Routing & switching (basic) | - Advanced routing and switching- Automation and programmability- VPNs, QoS- Troubleshooting- Network design & security |
Difficulty Level | Easier; introductory | Moderate to difficult; deeper concepts |
Job Roles After Certification | - Network Technician- Help Desk Engineer- Junior Network Engineer | - Network Engineer- Network Administrator- Systems Engineer- Network Consultant |
Average Salary (USA) | ~$55,000 – $85,000 / year | ~$85,000 – $120,000+ / year |
Validity | 3 years | 3 years |
Renewal | Retake the exam or earn CE credits | Retake exams or earn CE credits |
Career Impact and Salary Expectations
After earning a CCNA certification, professionals typically qualify for roles such as Network Technician, Help Desk Engineer, or Junior Network Engineer, with average salaries in the USA ranging from $55,000 to $85,000 per year. CCNP-certified professionals, with their advanced skills, can pursue positions as Network Engineer, Network Administrator, Systems Engineer, or Network Consultant, commanding average salaries between $85,000 and $120,000 or more annually.
Certification Validity and Renewal
Both CCNA and CCNP certifications remain valid for three years. To maintain certification, professionals must either retake the relevant exams or earn continuing education (CE) credits through various professional development activities.
Conclusion
Both the CCNA and CCNP certifications are very useful for building a good career in networking. CCNA is actually the foundation for the countries, providing students with the basic skills and knowledge of networks; the CCNP is just applying the preceding knowledge to create more complex systems of networks. Which one to choose depends on his experience and aspirations in IT and networking.
FAQs
Q1: Which certification should I start with CCNA or CCNP?
CCNA is a good place to start for beginners into networking. Those who already have some experience see CCNP as appropriate for them.
Q 2: How much time does it usually take for CCNA preparation?
6 to about average 8 months: this also depends on quality study and practices.
Q3: Does CCNP go beyond CCNA?
Of course, it's advanced. This is more in-depth areas on network troubleshooting and design.
Q4: Do these certifications have an expiry date?
Yes, CCNA and CCNP both have three years of validity.
Q5: After CCNA, can I go into employment?
Yes, CCNA qualifies you for entry-level positions such as network Technician, support engineering and system administration are there.
